A VP run in Eleksyon 2022? Sotto admits he's thinking about it

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday admitted that he is considering running for vice president in the 2022 national and local elections.

"I have to admit I'm thinking about it," Sotto said on ANC, also mentioning that his "other inclination" is to retire from politics.

Sotto said he is unlike other politicians who would not admit his or her intention to run for a certain position but would later on file a certificate of candidacy.

Sotto said he may announce his decision after President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

The filing of the certificate of candidate for next year's elections will start in October.

"Perhaps after the SONA, July maybe. August or September, thereabouts, if I made up my mind," Sotto said.

Sotto ranked third among preferred vice presidential bets for the 2022 polls, according to the Pulse Asia survey released in December 2020. He was behind Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the President's daughter.

In the same interview, Sotto also said he would support Senator Panfilo Lacson if he decides to run for president in 2022.

"If he runs for president I will support him," Sotto said of his colleague. "If he doesn't run, pag-uusapan pa natin 'yan [we'll talk about it]."

Sotto said he is confident of Lacson's capabilities. "I know what he can do for the country," he said. —KBK, GMA News